Bioarchaeology and Environmental Archaeology 2800-EN-L1-SPEC-W-BA
The course is divided in two parts: 1. Environmental archaeology and 2.
Bioarchaeology
Part 1: Environmental archaeology:
This Part introduces students to the study of past environments through archaeological evidence. It covers methods and approaches to reconstruct climates, landscapes, and human-environment interactions using animal and plant remains. Students will engage with key concepts in environmental
classification, chronostratigraphy, palaeoclimate proxies, and
bioarchaeological sampling strategies.
* Climate classifications and global biomes
* Landforms and environmental zones
*Reconstruction of past climates: chronostratigraphy, oxygen isotopes, and other global and local proxies
*Fossil fauna as a proxy for climate and environmental reconstruction
in archaeological contexts
*Sampling strategies and methodological approaches in faunal analysis
*Reconstructing ancient landscapes and ecosystems through faunal
remains
*Plants as indicators of ancient biomes and landforms
*Sediment types, fossilisation processes, and site preservation
conditions
*Sampling strategies for archaeobotanical research
Part 2: Bioarchaeology:
The lecture provides an interdisciplinary introduction to bioarchaeology and archaeological approaches to the human body, focusing on how physical remains, burial practices, and environmental data contribute to our understanding of past societies, and finally how human interact with their environment and shaped it. Students will examine a broad range of topics, including post-mortem treatment of the body, the biological and cultural aspects of sex and gender, the impact of food acquisition on human evolution, and how health and activity are reflected in skeletal remain, demographic reconstructions, the quality of life in Neolithic farming communities, dietary practices in ancient Rome, and patterns of migration revealed through both skeletal and genetic evidence. Special attention is given to the study of urban populations, the effects of pandemics such as the Black Death, and the role of identity and profession in shaping the human body and who we are. Through lectures, discussions, and case studies, students will gain insight into how archaeological science helps reconstruct daily life, social organization, and population dynamics across time and space. The course emphasizes critical engagement with both classic and emerging methods in the field, from morphological studies, through paleogenetics to isotopic analysis.
Course coordinators
Term 2026: | Term 2025: |
Type of course
Mode
Learning outcomes
Part 1: Environmental Archaeology
Students will:
Develop a strong foundation in the methods and theories of environmental archaeology, with particular emphasis on the description, classification, and interpretation of faunal and botanical remains (K_W01, K_W02).
Understand the interdisciplinary nature of environmental archaeology, learning how it integrates with natural sciences such as geology, palaeontology, and biology (K_W04).
Apply appropriate analytical methods to recognize and interpret environmental proxies, and evaluate their significance for reconstructing ancient climates, landscapes, and human activities (K_U02, K_U03).
Critically analyze the relationships between environmental changes and socio-economic transformations throughout human history, from early hominin evolution to industrialization (K_W03, K_U04).
Know the existence of digital tools and technologies for the analysis, visualization, and presentation of environmental data, developing skills to prepare and communicate research findings effectively (K_U05, K_U06, K_U08).
Recognize the importance of animal and plant remains as part of humanity’s cultural heritage, respecting ethical standards in the study, sampling, and publication of environmental archaeological data (K_K02, K_K04).
Part 2: Bioarchaeology
Knowledge: Student knows and understands:
K_W01: advanced methods and contemporary theoretical approaches in archaeology, with particular emphasis on bioarchaeology and the interdisciplinary study of the human body, health, diet, mobility, and identity in past societies.
K_W02: in-depth, specialized issues related to archaeological research, including burial practices, paleodemography, urban bioarchaeology, ancient diet reconstruction, and human migration studies.
K_W05: advanced selected scientific methods (e.g., osteological analysis, stable isotope analysis, ancient DNA studies) used in the analysis and interpretation of archaeological sources, especially human remains.
Skills: Student is able to:
K_U01:select and apply appropriate archaeological methods and
interdisciplinary approaches (including bioarchaeological, genetic, and isotopic analyses) to identify, interpret, and critically analyze archaeological finds, particularly human skeletal material,
K_U05: effectively communicate using specialized terminology related to archaeology, bioarchaeology, and the scientific analysis of human remains.
Social Competences: Student is ready to:
K_K01: critically evaluate their knowledge and understanding of
archaeological research, especially in relation to human biology, social organization, and material history of prehistoric and historic societies.
Assessment criteria
Part 1, Environmental Archaeology: Written test, 12 questions, 100 pts (threshold to pass: 60 pts). Second attempt: oral exam.
Part 2, Bioarchaeology: Written test, 12 questions, 100 pts (threshold to pass: 70 pts). Second attempt: oral exam.